MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines and sailors from Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, gathered aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., for the battalion field meet July 29.
The field meet was the end to a year-long competition between the companies within the battalion, who have been contending all year in multiple events to compete for the commander’s cup presented at the end of the day.
“The battalion has been busy these last couple of years with deployments and individual augments to Afghanistan,” said Maj. Stephen Taylor, acting battalion commander, Headquarters Bn. “This event allows Marines to work on team building and sportsmanship and gives everyone a well deserved break from our normal daily routine.”
The day featured 11 different sporting events such as pugil sticks, tug-of-war and many different types of races.
“These events are awesome. They allow Marines to get out and have a fun day away from work and compete for their companies,” said Lance Cpl. Robert Walston, supply clerk, Headquarters Bn. “I hope we continue to do things like this in the future because it definitely helps build camaraderie between the Marines.”
Adding to the fun, the battalion also setup a barbeque cookout with hotdogs and hamburgers for the service members and their families to enjoy throughout the day.
“This is really a great opportunity for Marines to bring their families out here and enjoy some competition and good food,” said 1st Lt. Greg McGough, operations officer, Headquarters Bn. “We’ve been at war for so long and very rarely get a chance to do fun activities like this and show the Marines that we appreciate them.”
As the day came to an end, the commander’s cup was presented to Truck Company for winning the field meet and accumulating the most victories throughout the year, marking the end of this season and preparing for the next.
“Each year, we do these quarterly events that lead up to the commander’s cup, so this isn’t the first time we’ve done this and it’s probably not the last,” said Taylor. “We’ll congratulate the winning company and then look forward to next year.”